The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

KELLER, LEONARD B.Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 3d
Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Ap Bac
Zone, Republic of Vietnam, 2 May 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born:
25 February 1947, Rockford, Ill. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. Sweeping through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred
earlier, Sgt. Keller's unit suddenly came under Intense automatic weapons and small-arms
fire from a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller
quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was
received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape. Leaping to the top of a dike, he
and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy
fire. Armed with a light machinegun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic
assault on the enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker
with his machinegun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its occupant. Then
he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its occupant. A third bunker
contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. Again,
with utter disregard for the fire directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy
within. Continuing their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers,
killing the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had
been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to
stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had carried the soldiers beyond the line
of bunkers into the treeline, forcing snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase,
driving the enemy away from the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt.
Keller returned to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man
assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous
enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt. Keller's selfless heroism and
indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious
damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Citation Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

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